Heinrich Lehmann in 1797 claimed that this variety was brought to the Valtellina area from Chiavenna Valley and, from that, the etymology of the name. Currently there are different theories about the origins of the term Chiavennasca and the most trusted imply that the roots of the name are the dialectal terms ciu Venasca (vine with more sap and vigor), or ciu vinasca (the most suited variety to become wine): both dialectal forms, however, point out the characteristics of this grape, which gives vigorous and bodied wines, suitable to be stored and aged. From the point of view of cloning, Chiavennasca is closely related to Nebbiolo, typical grape variety of lower Piedmont, although the first written records of its presence in Valtellina date back to 1500. This variety is considered native to the area also because it boasts at least 500 years of history and mountain isolation to any external influence.
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